April 22, 2008

Almond & Walnut Brittle

I realized that I had not posted anything sweet in a while. So I put my thinking cap on. That's when I remembered a recent episode on AZN network, a channel which no longer exists. In the episode, Chef Anjum Anand had made walnut brittle as a surprise treat. It looked delicious and simple, but what caught my attention was a little sidenote.

Anjum Anand mentioned that jaggery was given to people who worked in mines and dusty places and that helped clean their lungs. I was surprised by this and did a search of my own to find supporting documents. I even found a study that reiterates her point! I had no idea that jaggery has such recuperative powers. I enjoy my jaggery in nalen gurer payesh (rice pudding) and narkaler nadu (coconut laddus), and it was time to try this new healthy dessert :)

I added some almonds and a tiny bit of saffron in the dessert for additional flavor and it tasted delicious. Here is how I did it.

Method:Roast the nuts on a low flame an then set it aside to cool. In the meantime, heat jaggery and water in a thick bottomed pan till the jaggery melts and starts bubbling. Mix well and heat till you get the jaggery mix to one strand thickness.

Put the nuts in and mix well together and cook it on low flame for 3-4 minutes till everything mixes well.

I;ve always preferred chikkis made from jaggery as against sugar! That's an interesting study you mention...I'm sure this tasted yummy, perfect when crushed on some vanilla icecream :) It's so hot in Bombay that I can only think of cold foods :)